Where to Find Mouthwatering Malasadas on the Big Island
Looking for malasadas on the Big Island? Let me help you!
If you like fluffy fried dough covered in sugar then you better make sure you try malasadas on the Big Island.
This Portuguese donut is a notorious treat in Hawaii and donuts are my kryptonite! I could eat Punalu’u Bakeshop’s malasadas everyday for the rest of my life!
Let me tell you where you can find them and others on the island!
In this post you’ll find:
- Hot, made-to-order malasadas
- Malasadas the size of your head
- Thick and dough-y malasadas (my favorite)
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Where to Find Malasadas on the Big Island?
There are three main stops to find malasadas on the Big Island:
- Punalu’u Bakery in Naalehu
- Tex Drive-In in Honokaa
- Manuela’s Malasadas Truck near Puako.
Surprisingly, these are all out-of-the-way locations but on the way to most places.
The other places to find malasadas that are less conventional are:
- Paradise Bakery Hawaii in Kona
- ChoiceMart in Captain Cook
- KTA Super Stores in Kona and Hilo
1. Punalu’u Bake Shop
Personally, I think Punalu’u Bakery has the best malasadas on the Big Island. Their dough is pillowy soft and they have a delicious variety of tropical flavors.
This is a popular spot for tourists and tour buses so the line can get long. If you can get there right at opening at 8:30am the tourists haven’t made their way from Kona/Hilo yet so you will be able to practically walk up and order your sweet treat.
The only con to this time is sometimes not all the flavors are ready yet, but the ones that are out will be as fresh as you’ll get.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: There are two registers from which to order. If one line is long, check to see if the other register’s line is shorter.
The first register is at the main entrance at the end of the “patio hallway” from the parking lot. The flavors of malasadas are listed on the board if you haven’t been able to look at the case. Still ask about flavors as availability and flavors can vary.
The second register is on the opposite end of the room. This is where the malasada case displays which flavors they have in stock.
At this end they will typically ask “how many?” assuming all you are ordering is malasadas. Tell them the amount and what flavors. You can order anything else off the menu here as well, you just won’t have the list in front of you.
I’m a fruity kind of gal so my favorite malasada flavors are the lilikoi, mango filled, and guava filled. Michael really likes the purple taro malasada.
They also serve coffee, drinks, and lunch menu items if you wish to add to your order. Or purchase their famous sweetbreads off the shelves to eat later.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: I don’t recommend the coffee here. Go across the street to Ka Lae or my fav Honua’s Coffee House down the street beforehand and bring it here to accompany your malasadas.
Take your treats and eat in the Disneyland-esque gazebos by the goldfish pond. Or for a more secluded area, follow the path to the tables into the relaxing garden under the fruit trees.
Punalu’u Bake Shop is a perfect stop on your way to or from:
2. Tex Drive-In
Everything’s bigger in Texas and they prove it at Tex Drive-In (I’m actually not sure if Tex is short for Texas but let’s just go with it…). The malasadas here on the northeast side of the Big Island are more than half the size of your head!
Up the hill from downtown Honokaa, you’ll find this “world famous” bakery and restaurant located in an unexciting, green business building.
Don’t let the name deceive you, this is not a drive-in; you do have to order inside in what feels like a rundown mall food court.
Technically, it should be called Tex Drive-Thru because they do have a drive-thru window to order if you want your food to-go. Head’s up though, unless you are just ordering malasadas this won’t be a fast food order.
For having “world famous” malasadas you wouldn’t know it from their extensive entree menu. It’s as if their malasadas are an afterthought, with their non-Hawaiian flavors printed up on typing paper and taped next to the counter.
Their square malasadas are kept warm all day and that’s really the best way to eat them.
After you order you can sit on their outside patio with a beautiful view of their parking lot.
Tex Drive-In is a perfect stop on your way to or from:
- Waipio Valley Lookout
- Akaka Falls
3. Manuela’s Malasada Truck
This blue Hot Malasadas food truck has become quite the hot spot for hot malasadas. It’s parked in a gravel pullout at the Puako turn off of Hwy 11. This is a great treat spot for coming or going to Hapuna Beach, just down the road, or if you are heading to Hawi.
The truck is CASH ONLY!! Make sure to have cash on hand so you aren’t SOL in the middle of nowhere and can’t order malasadas. *sadface*
They have a variety of flavors, fillings, and a flavor of the day. Fillings cost an extra dollar per malasada.
Be sure to try their local’s favorite, Li Hing. Li Hing is a dried plum that is typically dusted onto fruits and candies. It can have a sour tang to it but it’s very mild on the malasada and helps to give it a buttery flavor.
The malasadas are made fresh to order, so you know you are getting them at the peak of perfection. But this also means that patience is necessary as there is only one person working the truck. They will take a few orders at a time, then make the batch, leaving the others in line to order having to wait quite a few minutes; but it’s worth it!
These malasadas are set apart from others on the island because they are denser and heavier and as their name suggests, they are hot! Perhaps a warm pastry in the middle of the desert doesn’t sound appealing but trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these!
4. Paradise Bakery Hawaii
Across from Target in the food court of the Kona International Market, is Paradise Bakery Hawaii. They makes the most beautiful, colorful donuts. While you might be distracted by the fancy donuts, if it’s malasadas you’re after they have those too.
Malasada flavors may change (perhaps a banana filled one), but they’ll for sure have a plain.
This bakery can close early because they often sell out. I was told by the friendly worker that if you get there by 9am you should still have plenty of choices.
Grocery Stores
If for some reason you can’t make it to one of the three main Big Island malasada locations, don’t fret! Grocery stores will also serve them in their bakery section and are surprisingly still tasty!
5. Choice Mart
Choice Mart has a small bakery inside to the left of the grocery store.
I have only ever seen one flavor available: plain.
They don’t make very many so getting there early is your best bet; they will likely be sold out if you show up after noon.
6. KTA Super Stores
⚠️ Important Note: this is the only place to find malasadas in Hilo!
KTA also serves malasadas in their bakery section. They carry a few different flavors. I enjoyed their lilikoi filled. Again, I’ve heard they can sell out in the mornings so get them earlier rather than later to ensure you snag a few.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: Malasadas do not taste the same next day. Eat them fresh to best enjoy their fluffy goodness!
Malasada FAQs
How did malasadas end up in Hawaii?
In 1878, Portuguese people came to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantations. They often ate them on Fat Tuesday (Mardis Gras), the day before Lent, to use up the rest of the lard and sugar in the house. The islands have now named it Malasada Day
What is the difference between a donut and a malasada?
Malasadas are a Portuguese fried dough traditionally rolled in sugar, cinnamon, or lemon zest. These are different from American donuts in that they are not shaped like rings (i.e. no hole in the middle) and they are a bit eggier in taste.
Bon Appetit!
Trying new foods while traveling is half the fun of exploring new places! Sampling malasadas on the Big Island is a MUST while you are visiting the island!
Which is your favorite malasada location on the Big Island?
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🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
